Partners

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow

Our partnerships with organisations throughout the South West are an important factor in the work we achieve and the projects we deliver.

Together, we are working on valuable initiatives; for example, Upstream Thinking is a fantastic project funded by South West Water, which we are delivering with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to improve water quality in the Fal catchment – specifically, around College and Argal reservoirs.

In partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority, the Moor than meets the eye Landscape Partnership project has enabled us to vastly improve the access around Fernworthy Reservoir – in particular, the surface and accessibility of the much loved Potters Walk – a scenic wheelchair and buggy accessible route.

The Discover Wistlandpound Project (DWP) is a joint project between South West Lakes Trust, The Calvert Trust Exmoor and Forestry Commission Enterprises, which has funded two wheelchair and pushchair accessible paths. Enabling people of all abilities to engage with the outdoors, this is a fantastic example of three organisations collaborating for the benefit of the environment and public.

Upstream Thinking: a partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust

We have been working on a very exciting catchment scale conservation project around College and Argal reservoirs near Penryn in Cornwall. Upstream Thinking is a five year programme funded by South West Water and is being delivered across the whole region. The Fal catchment project is being delivered by South West Lakes Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT) and has two main aims:

Farm advisors, ecologists and water quality scientists from CWT work with landowners in the catchment to help them improve their practices, with the goal of reducing the run off of harmful chemicals and fertilisers into the reservoirs.

The other aspect of the project involves our volunteer groups (led by Senior Countryside Warden Beth Cross) visiting different sites around the catchment to undertake conservation and habitat management tasks to improve the sites for wildlife. We have worked on a wide variety of tasks including scrub clearance, bracken management, hedging, invasive species removal and building habitat boxes. Volunteers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have really enjoyed being part of a new and interesting project, with the opportunities to visit different sites and learn new skills.

It will be rewarding to continue this partnership working with Cornwall Wildlife Trust – a landscape level approach to water management and conservation will not only make a real difference to the water quality in the lakes, biodiversity and agricultural sustainability, but also has positive knock on effects for wildlife, fisheries and the enjoyment of visitors to our sites.

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Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.

Lopwell Dam is a beautiful spot at any time of the year; the colours and views on display are simply breathtaking.
Near Plymouth, the Local Nature Reserve is home to a varied range of wildlife, both in and out of the water. Delve into Lopwell’s long history (all the way back to the 13th century!), and learn about how this peaceful haven was once a busy river quay that served Plymouth and London, with a mineshaft used for mining lead and silver.

We are dedicated to the protection of the natural environment found at our lakes and are passionate about people from all walks of life being able to benefit from the wonderful countryside around our lakes. From walking and cycling to angling and watersports, we offer fantastic opportunities for great days out and regular visits for health and well-being, discovering and exploring at lakes across the south west of England.

Near the idyllic village of Chagford, Fernworthy Reservoir is an archaeological jewel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park.
Walk through meadows, woodland and moorland, and take in the fascinating cultural heritage of ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and submerged clapper bridges, while enjoying beautiful lakeside views.

As a charity always aiming to improve the environment and provide great facilities for informal and organised activities, we appreciate donations for where our need is greatest at the time. If you would like to support our work with a one-off or regular donation and are happy for us to decide where the need is greatest, please use the donation buttons below.

We have officially launched our new Friends of South West Lakes scheme, offering a new way for supporters to get involved with our charitable work.
This new approach offers a fresh perspective on being a ‘Friend’; crucially, it is more than ‘just a car parking pass’.